Northampton children invited to enter Latitude poetry contest as festival marks 20 years
Northampton youngsters are being urged to try their hand at poetry as Latitude Festival expands its BBC-backed competition across the East of England.
The Latitude BBC Poetry Competition, now in its third year and partnered with BBC Radio Northampton among others, invites children aged 7–11 to submit an original poem of up to 200 words on the theme Generations. The theme reflects Latitude’s 20-year anniversary and asks entrants to explore family, inheritance and the future.
Six regional winners — one chosen from each partnering BBC area — will perform live on Latitude’s Waterfront Stage to open the festival on the evening of Thursday July 23, 2026. One winner will also receive a backstage tour. The competition offers a rare chance for Northampton pupils to showcase their writing on a major festival platform alongside established poets.
Latitude director Melvin Benn said the competition “comes of age” for the 20th festival, while judge Luke Wright encouraged poems that feel “lived-in and honest”. Entries must come from children who live or attend school in the six BBC coverage areas, including Northampton.
Parents and schools in Northampton are being encouraged to enter pupils and support young voices ahead of the competition deadline.